All Blacks embrace altitude as Springboks face pressure in Soweto showdown

The All Blacks are confident they have adapted to Johannesburg's altitude, spending half of this week preparing in Cape Town. Unlike other teams, they chose to stay longer to acclimate to the thin air that awaits them at FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday. Head coach Dave Rennie believes his team is accustomed to the height, allowing more time in Cape Town with a beach and strong support.

This decision may benefit them as the series is tied at 1-1, with a crucial match against the Springboks looming. The All Blacks boast an eight-match winning streak at altitude against the Boks in their last 10 encounters. Coach Rennie sees playing at altitude as a challenge for both teams, but one they are ready to face with their conditioning and mindset.

South Africa, on the other hand, is under pressure after losing the opening Test in Ellis Park. New Zealand leads 1-0 in the Highveld matches and is unbeaten at FNB Stadium, seeking to maintain their dominance over the world champions.